Bernice M. Blecha
OSMOND — Bernice M. Blecha, 75, Osmond, died Jan. 12, 2019, at Colonial Manor, Randolph.
Visitation will be Jan. 18, from 4-7 p.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Osmond, followed by a prayer service and rosary.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Jan. 19, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Osmond. Father Timothy Forget will officiate along with Deacons Doug Tunink and Roger Polt.
Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Pierce.
Pallbearers will be Raymond and Nicholas Rowden, Jacob Blecha, Christopher, Jason and Anthony Polt. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Schmit, James Bessmer, Chick Reed, Dennis Collins, Ron Benson, Dwaine Hoffman, Leonard Frodyma and Kelly Hodson.
Arrangements are under the direction of Stonacek Memorial Chapel, Osmond.
Bernice Marie was born Nov. 23, 1943, at Osmond, to Roy and Mary (Dvorak) Herbolsheimer. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Pierce. The family lived on a farm near Foster and Bernice attended St. Joseph’s Grade School and started high school in Pierce. When the school districts were reorganized, Bernice transferred to Osmond High School and continued there until her graduation in 1962. Shortly after graduation, Bernice started employment at the Osmond Republican Newspaper where she enjoyed a long, fulfilling career until 2018.
Bernice married Donald G. Blecha June 29, 1966, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Pierce. The couple rented a house until 1967 when they built their family home in Osmond. During her employment she took pride in building her knowledge of the history of the town and working toward serving as town historian. With this knowledge she served on the committees and authored and edited the books that were produced for Osmond’s Diamond Jubilee, Gay 90’s, Centennial and Q125 celebrations.
Outside of work, Bernice participated in many organizations and committees and put all of her energy into putting Osmond first and adding a special significance to each event to make them memorable. She served the City of Osmond for 47 years, first as the secretary for the city council and later as the city clerk. Bernice also served in various capacities for several civic and church organizations, including St. Mary’s Guild, Osmond Hospital Auxiliary, Osmond Alumni Committee, Osmond Betterment Council and Osmond Community Club. She also dedicated many years in service to St. Mary’s Church as sacristan, liturgy director, decoration coordinator, funeral planner and church dinner coordinator. Although Bernice preferred to be an unsung contributor to celebrations and events, she was recognized for her commitment to community as an Osmond Outstanding Citizen, and the dedication to her career with the Golden Pica Award for 50+ years of service to the newspaper.
Survivors include her husband, Don; son and wife, Joseph and Debra (Braker) Blecha, Shawnee, Kan.; daughter and husband, LaDonna and Raymond Rowden, Sherman, Ill.; and son and wife, Terrence and Christine (Jaderston) Blecha, Rapid City, S.D.; seven grandchildren; and sister Lois (Herbolsheimer) Polt, Marshalltown, Iowa.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Karen (Herbolsheimer) Burbach; and granddaughter, Grace Blecha.
